Reading Check and Short Answer questions on key points are designed for guided reading assignments, in-class review, formative assessment, quizzes, and more.

Chapters 1-3

Reading Check

1. Why is Ida Mae saving money to go to Chicago?

2. How do Jolene and Ida Mae get home from work?

3. Who taught Ida Mae how to fly planes?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. Why do Danny Taylor’s comments about Ida Mae’s appearance make Ida Mae and Jolene both uncomfortable?

2. Why has Ida Mae’s brother Thomas decided to become a doctor?

3. How does Ida Mae’s hope of becoming a pilot get restored? 

Paired Resource

“The First Female African American Pilot”

• This 3-minute video from the Smithsonian Channel discusses the life and legacy of Bessie Coleman, Ida Mae’s hero.
• Ida Mae’s discussion of Bessie Coleman invites students to understand and discuss Racial Identity and Segregation.
• How are Ida Mae and Bessie Coleman similar? What do you think it will take for Ida Mae to pursue her dream?

Chapters 4-6

Reading Check

1. Why does Janice Johnson refuse to let Jolene into Stevia’s graduation party?

2. Where does Ida Mae get the outfit she wears to the WASP interview?

3.